Bestselling author Brian Fagan brings early humans out of the deep freeze with his trademark mix of erudition, cutting-edge science, and vivid storytelling. Cro-Magnon reveals human society in its infancy, facing enormous environmental challenges-including a rival species of humans, the Neanderthals. For ten millennia, Cro-Magnons lived side by side with Neanderthals, an encounter that Fagan fills with drama. Using their superior intellects and tools, these ingenious problem solvers survived harsh conditions that eventually extinguished their Neanderthal cousins. Cro-Magnon captures the indomitable adaptability that has made Homo sapiens an unmatched success as a species. Living on a frozen continent with only the most basic tools, Ice Age humans survived and thrived. Download and start listening now!

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Quotes & Awards

“Archaeology contributing editor Brian Fagan provides readers with intimate accounts of what he imagines Ice Age life was like for both the vanishing Neanderthals and the invading Homo sapiens who developed the basis of modern culture. He lauds the ‘endless ingenuity and adaptability’ of ordinary men and women living in bitterly cold Paleolithic Europe. ‘My DNA tells me that, genetically, I’m one of them,’ Fagan concludes, ‘and I’m proud of it.’”

Archaeology (editors’ pick)

“Fagan provides readers with a fascinating discussion of the lifestyle of Neanderthals and early modern humans…In bringing these ancient human societies to life, Fagan combines an engaging narrative style with a well-written and easily understood scholarly discussion…an excellent resource.”

National Speleological Society newsletter

“Highly entertaining and instructive…[Fagan] does an admirable job in bringing vividly to life the Europe of between eighty and ten thousand years ago…Fagan’s book has been overtaken by the onward progress of his science—this happens to lots of such books—and there are aspects of his case that invite debate. But it is an admirable book nevertheless; the reimagining of the past is entertainingly done, and a great deal of science, especially climate science, is accessibly introduced on the way.”

Barnes & Noble, editorial review

“James Langton…fits easily into the persona Fagan has defined, creating a narrative perspective that is attentive, observant, factual, open to speculation, and never dogmatic in tone. Langton’s perfectly articulated rendering keeps the narrative line clear.”

AudioFile

“[A] fascinating account…Fagan’s narratives of cave-painting and hunting—among other anecdotes—really bring this history-laden book to life.”

Green Life

An AudioFile Earphones Award winner

Listener Opinions

Kathleen | 1/6/2014

" ...about 1/2 way through. The first 130+ pages have been mostly about Neanderthals. Interesting, but I'm wanting to know about Cro-Magnons. Glad that Fagan spends time discussing the Toba volcanic eruption (73,000 years ago) that nearly wiped out mankind...something I had not read about 'til fairly recently. These guys were so sophisticated - genius in art at Chauvet cave. "

Ben | 12/7/2013

" I picked this out because of recent news items about Neanderthal genes in modern humans, something the author dismisses, even though the book is only a few years old. That shows how quickly this area of knowledge is changing. At first, the author's speculations on the behavior of Neanderthals and their interactions with Cro-Magnon was a bit too speculative for me, but a few chapters in, the evidence and interpretation seems more rigorous. "

Bcoghill Coghill | 11/4/2013

" Thank you for this very readable book Brian Fagan. "

Nathan | 10/31/2013

" For a non fiction book this was really entertaining. written in simple, plain language the author describes the lives and tools of our ancient ancestors the Cro-magnons. the book goes into great detail about their habits,culture and even touches on possible encounters with our distant cousins the Neanderthals. if you are intrested in pre-history this is the perfect book to start with. "

Gavin Long | 10/22/2013

" Awesome, Have also listened to some of Fagans lectures on early prehistory. The book is absolutely intriguing and the section on Cro Magnon Art will make you want to learn a great deal more. Loved the book - five stars for Prof Fagan. "

Joe Minten | 8/31/2013

" Somewhat repetitive, but a well researched and written chronology of who we were back at the dawn of modern man right up to the beginning of the agricultural age. "

Tahira | 7/24/2013

" Why IS there ONLY one species of humans now? While this is a non-fiction book with scientific research & theories, at time it read like a novel. I love this author. Makes reading scientific *stuff* interesting & enjoyable to the non-scientific person. "

Scott Thrift | 7/11/2013

" There are many other book on this subject that are much more interesting with much less conjecture. I hate it when a book turns an interesting topic into a snorefest. "

Clifton | 2/18/2013

" A fine introduction for the general reader to the topic of Cro-Magnon peoples. Incidentally, I did NOT read the eBook version of this book. I read the hardcover version. I have never read an eBook, nor do I intend to. Needless to say, others may do as they like. "

Lindsey | 8/16/2012

" Interesting narrative of the interaction between cro-magnons and neanderthals. Well-written and kept my attention. "

Elizabeth Sulzby | 6/5/2012

" Back to my prehistory reading. "

Pat | 6/8/2011

" Too academic to be a casual read "

Clifton | 11/17/2010

" A fine introduction for the general reader to the topic of Cro-Magnon peoples. Incidentally, I did NOT read the eBook version of this book. I read the hardcover version. I have never read an eBook, nor do I intend to. Needless to say, others may do as they like.
"

Scott | 8/11/2010

" There are many other book on this subject that are much more interesting with much less conjecture. I hate it when a book turns an interesting topic into a snorefest.
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Other Titles by Brian Fagan:

About the Author

Brian Fagan was born in England, did fieldwork in Africa, and taught at the University of California–Santa Barbara. He is the author of Fish on Friday, The Little Ice Age, The Long Summer, and the New York Times bestseller The Great Warming.

About the Narrator

James Langton is an actor and narrator who has performed many voice-overs and narrated numerous audiobooks, winning multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards. As a voice-over artist, he has worked with a host of industrial and commercial clients including Geico, Johnson&Johnson, and ask.com. He is also a professional musician who led the internationally renowned Pasadena Roof Orchestra from 1996 to 2002. He was born in York, England, and trained as an actor at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

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